Picking the right size basketball is important to prevent injury and ensure a great playing experience. So, what size basketball should you buy?
BASKETBALL BALL SIZE CHART
| Age and Gender | Basketball Size |
|
Ages 9-11 |
Youth |
| Women and girls age 12 and up Boys ages 12-14 |
Women’s Official Size |
| Men age 15 and up |
Men’s Official Size |
Players ages 9 to 11 should use a youth basketball (27.5"). It's important that young kids have the correct size ball for their size, strength and ability. If they have a ball that's too big or too heavy, they are more prone to injuries and won't have fun or success learning to play basketball.
Shop Youth Size Basketballs
Women/girls age 12 and up and boys ages 12 to 14 should play with a 28.5” basketball.
Baden was actually the first basketball manufacturer to produce a 28.5” ball specifically for women. Baden founders, E.C. and Michael Schindler, recognized that the 29.5” ball wasn't ideal for a women’s game. They perfected the size and weight of the 28.5” ball just for women starting with college basketball.
Shop Women's and Intermediate Size Basketballs
Men age 15 and up should play with an Official Size (29.5”) basketball. At age 15, men now have the required strength, skill, and size to handle the largest size basketball.
